Sweet Old Carved Folk Art Shoe painted wood box which is without a bottom

which is without a bottom

both in and of itself as a stunning photograph

I'm not quite sure how it was intended to be used

but the tip of one mouthpart on the underside is broken (not visible when worn) and it appears to have lost to the very end tip of the wings

Sweet Old Carved Folk Art Shoe painted wood box which is without a bottomI'd think this shoe was carved just as a whimsy; there is no sign there was ever a top over the shallowly carved out recess, so I wouldn't think it was made for snuff. I do think it's pretty old though, and nice and folky, with sweet detailing for the seams, eye holes, and across the toe, a great heel, and a coat of varnish on the exterior. Surely one can never have too many old carved wooden objects, or shoes! 5 1 8" l x 2 1 4" t x 1 5 16" w. Great